Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive season marches on. After he and his Oklahoma City Thunder escaped Game 7 with a blowout victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, his sights are set on the next task.
The Thunder beat the Nuggets 125-93, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the for first time in Gilgeous-Alexander's seven-year-career. The Thunder last found themselves in the Western Conference finals in 2015-16.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is the presumed NBA MVP of the 2024-25 season, brought his typical, elite level of play to Sunday's Game 7. He dropped 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting from the field. He would add three rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block to go along with three made 3-pointers.
And now, Gilgeous-Alexander prepares to stand face-to-face with someone he literally shares blood with. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a small forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is Gilgeous-Alexander's cousin.
Gilgeous-Alexander's father (Vaughn Alexander) is the brother of Alexander-Walker's mother (Nicole Alexander).
Ahead of the Thunder vs. Timberwolves matchup, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked what it's going to feel like facing his cousin in the NBA playoffs. His response was gruesome.
"I am trying to take his head off, for sure. Completely," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
On a more serious note, he also expressed how close their relationship is, and how many experiences they shared growing up.
"If you know how close we are, he's literally like my second brother. He's been through every stage of life with me. Picking up a basketball to going to prep school to making the NBA. For both of us to be where we are is special, and to compete against each other is special."
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Game 1 of this cousin vs. cousin rivalry will tip-off on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. EDT inside Paycom Center on ESPN.